Hand Netting

Large flying insects such as butterflies, dragonflies, wasps and flies can be collected individually using a long-handled insect net. These can also be swept over vegetation to capture small insects resting on foliage. Different weaves of netting can be used depending on how fast you need to swing the net through the air. If you are catching fast-flying insects such as dragonflies, use a fairly open weave net to allow the air to flow freely through the net as you swing. If you are sweeping vegetation use a net with a finer weave to catch small insects and withstand battering by sharp sticks.

Using a net to catch butterflies

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